As the academic year for Fall 2025 draws closer in the United States, anxiety is rising sharply among Indian students awaiting F-1 visa interview appointments.
A widely circulated Reddit post has become a voice for many stressed students.
The student wrote:
“STILL NO F1 VISA SLOTS in INDIA. Guys, I am panicking so much right now. They are still not opening the visa slots in India. What do I do? My course starts August 20 and I have not even packed or bought airplane tickets. I feel so lost and hopeless right now. I don’t even have an internship or job. Does anybody have the slightest clue as to why they aren’t opening the slots?”
This emotional post has been shared widely across student communities, resonating with thousands who face the same uncertainty.
Other users have commented, sharing similar struggles. One replied:
“In the same place as y ou honestly. I left my job last year just to apply for PhD programs. My 1st orientation is on 15th August and my tickets are booked for 13th August, If I reschedule, the fare difference is almost double.”
Another user echoed this distress:
“Even I left my job last year. These are really tough times. Even those who have given the interview are worried because they’re being issued 221(g)s, and no one knows when the visas will actually be approved.”
Many students report being unable to find any available interview appointments across India, prompting deeper concern.
One user highlighted the grim update from the US embassy’s official page:
“I can’t find any available slots anywhere in India. The official US Embassy website even states, ‘We cannot guarantee that student or exchange visitor visa applicants without an existing appointment will be able to schedule an interview this summer.’ Does this mean there won’t be any more bulk slot openings before Fall 2025?”
This has added further uncertainty for thousands who remain without an appointment.
High demand due to record student admissions for Fall 2025
Limited consular staffing and interview capacity
Rising concerns over delays in 221(g) administrative processing
No official updates yet from the US embassy regarding bulk slot openings
The ongoing delay in F-1 visa slot availability has plunged thousands of Indian students into a state of growing anxiety and uncertainty, just weeks ahead of the Fall 2025 academic session in the United States. Many of these students have already made significant life decisions—such as resigning from jobs, investing in airfare, and securing university admissions—only to now face the looming risk of deferral or missed opportunities.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of clarity from official US authorities, leaving students without a timeline or assurance for when slots might open.
On online platforms like Reddit, students have begun sharing their frustrations, making the issue more visible and urgent. For those affected, this is not merely a delay; it's a potential derailment of careers, finances, and long-held academic dreams. It is imperative that concerned authorities act swiftly to open more slots and communicate transparently to prevent further escalation of this crisis.